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It’s oneworld’s 20th this year. Happy birthday! Obviously, spirits are soaring among its 13 member airlines. But there’s reason for you, dear traveller, to celebrate with them. Why? Because as a member, you’ll enjoy many benefits to brighten up your travel, from breezy boarding to world-class lounging at over 650 airports.
And speaking of celebrations, we thought we’d pick 20 of the best places to fly to for a special occasion – from honeymoons to birthdays.
1. Helsinki, Finland – for a well-earned wellness retreat
Why Finland? In a word, sauna culture. But it’s not just that. With an unending supply of clear lakes and lush forests, the whole country is one big wellness retreat. And its near them that you’ll find the spa resorts. Trust us, it’s quite the experience stepping out of a smokey cabin and into icy water! So explore Helsinki’s tranquil islands and cool designs (don’t forget the Moomins Museum!), then head to your northern oasis. You might even see the Northern Lights while basking in warm water.
You can fly to Helsinki with Finnair.
2. New Orleans, USA – for the ultimate hen or stag
If you’ve watched Girls Trip, you know this town knows how to party. If you haven’t, let’s just say New Orleans is famous for flamboyant floats, spontaneous street parades, boisterous brass bands, non-stop festivals and a zest for life (and cajun-spiced food). At the epicentre of it all is Bourbon Street. At night, its lovely French balconies give way to neon lights, laughter and jazz. To see the city at its wildest, visit during Mardi Gras.
You can fly to New Orleans with British Airways.
3. Seychelles – for a fairy tale honeymoon
This little cluster of jewels in the Indian Ocean are the perfect treat for you and your loved one. And after all that wedding planning, you deserve it. You can spend days doing nothing but lounging on coconut-white beaches and wading in pale turqoise waters. Followed, of course, by picturesque sunsets and romantic meals full of spice-rich dishes. Want to explore? Take a boat trip to La Digue to see the enchanting beach of Anse Source D’Argent.
You can fly to the Seychelles with Qatar Airways.
4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – for turning up the dial on any celebration
Don’t need an occasion to party? You’ll fit right in here. Rio de Janeiro is best known for its Carnival, a whirlwind of colour, dance and samba. But it’s not like the party spirit leaves once February’s gone. The legendary Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches are always buzzing, and there’s always music playing somewhere. If you want to take your do or birthday to the next level – or go on a round the world trip chasing summer – Rio is the real deal. And speaking of next level – you can’t beat the views from Sugarloaf Mountain.
You can fly to Rio de Janeiro with LATAM.
5. Langkawi, Malaysia – for an idyllic holiday before you start your new job
Wander among Langkawi’s waterfalls and mangrove rainforests – or see them above by cable car – and you’ll see why UNESCO declared the entire island a geopark. Its beaches are perfect for chilling, but also for water sports. It’s also great for island-hopping. A tucked away paradise it may be, but it’s also easy to get to. You can either take a Malaysian Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur, or get to Penang and take the ferry.
You can fly to Langkawi with Malaysia Airlines.
6. Rabat, Morocco – for an exotic mini-moon
Combine Marrakech’s architectural charm with Agadir’s seaside appeal and you get Rabat. No wonder they made this place the capital. Visit Kasbah’s blue-white houses, the palm-adorned Chellah fortress and Hassan Tower – surrounded by a vast square and the foundations of a never-completed mosque. You can enjoy the ocean on Temara Plage, a local favourite beach just 15 minutes from the centre. Or the mountains – the Atlas range is only hours away.
You can fly to Marrakech with British Airways.
7. Santiago, Chile – for waves, wine, mountains and the ultimate Father’s Day gift
Santiago is fantastic. But it’s only the starting point in the adventure your dad (and likely you) have always dreamt of. After taking in stunning views of the Andes and eating your way through avocado-laden completo hot dogs and fresh Chilean produce, it’s time to decide what’s next. Up north for a desert experience in Atacama? A getaway to one of Chile’s world-renowned vineyards? Jet to the Easter Islands? Or take a flight to Punta Arenas for the ultimate Patagonia experience in Torres de Paine?
You can fly to Santiago with LATAM.
8. Perth, Australia – for the ultimate road trip with friends
There’s no shortage of options, but we’d recommend a grand tour of the Greath South West Edge for a mix of sea, leisure and outback. The itinerary includes relaxing in a natural rock pool by the sea in Indijup, wine and surf capital Margaret River, 40 metre high trees in Valley of the Giants, sunbathing with kangaroos in Esperance wave-shaped rocks. Want a more full-on outback experience? Karijini National Park awaits.
You can fly to Perth with Qantas.
9. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – for a 10th anniversary, or a 40th
A special anniversary deserves a special spot. An African holiday next to one of the 7 natural wonders of the world surely qualifies. To do it in style, stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Not only is the colonical architecture outrageously elegant, it’s also got its own private path to the falls. We know, right? If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swim under the falls or go white water rafting too. As for zebras and elephants, you can join a safari tour to Chobe National Park.
You can fly to Victoria Falls with British Airways.
10. Honolulu, Hawaii – for your dream wedding
Been dreaming of a destination wedding? Honolulu might just take the cake. It’s got all you might want from an exotic locale – soft sand beaches, lush greenery, seafood so good it’ll have you saying “more of this please” – and also advanced infrastructure and easy access to make things easier for you and your guests. That, plus volcanoes. Speaking of, check out Diamond Head, a breathtaking crater created from an eruption 300,000 years ago.
You can fly to Honolulu with American Airlines.
11. Osaka, Japan – for a gastronomic getaway
One thing you won’t get in Osaka is hungry. The bustling Dotonbori area is full of tasty takoyaki, rich ramen and of course, local favourite okonomiyaki. This massive pancake, which can be filled with everything from noodles to pork mince to shredded cabbage, is the perfect symbol for the city’s generosity. There is a lot to see in Osaka, but highlights include Osaka Castle – a green, gold and white masterpiece – and Universal Studios Japan. Oh, and Nambayasaka Shrine, which was built to look like an angry lion baring its teeth.
You can fly to Osaka with Japan Airlines.
12. Sydney, Australia – for a red hot Christmas celebration
Christmas in Sydney is just as cool as you think. Or hot? Either way, it’s a great time to be here. You can swap jumpers for swimwear, and boots for flip flops. The main Christmas hub is Martin Place, where you’ll see the giant tree. But the main reason you’re here this time of year is to celebrate at Bondi Beach. And what’s best is, you want have to miss out on mince pies. Win, win, win.
You can fly to Sydney with Qantas.
13. Amman, Jordan – for that desert road trip you always dreamed of
Amman’s amazing Levant cuisine, Roman ruins and Islamic architecture are worth exploring in their own right. But to feel like a real exporer (and time traveller) take a road trip into the desert, toward the Petra. Spend a few days there to gaze in awe at the rose pink columns carved into rock and walk through narrow ravine paths. Then it’s time to feel like you’re Lawrence of Arabia in Wadi Roum, and enjoy the hospitality of your Bedouin hosts.
You can fly to Amman with Royal Jordanian.
14. Lisbon, Portgual – for a sweet Easter break
This hilly city by the river is a treat for everyone, and for all senses. For the eyes, there’s the view of candy-colour houses from São Jorge Castle, azulejo tile art around every corner, and the splendor of Praça do Comércio. Not to mention, UNESCO darling Belém Tower. For the ears, there are the nostalgic clatter of old yellow trams and Fado melodies. And when it comes to tastes and smells, well, this place is heaven. Sample street food from famous chefs at Time Out Market Lisboa, or indulge in the creamiest, most wonderful egg custard tart you’ll ever have at Pastéis de Belém.
You can fly to Lisbon with British Airways.
15. Valencia, Spain – for a relaxing babymoon
Got a little one on the way? Congratulations! Now it’s time to go on a babymoon – a little getaway before the little one arrives. You’ll want a place that’s relaxing and where your mind will be at ease. Valencia is that place. You can take slow strolls around the city’s plazas and medieval marvels, enjoy Valencia’s renowned, no-seafood paella, or relax at its calm beaches. And being Spain’s orange capital, it’s the perfect place to be if you get an orange juice craving.
You can fly to Valencia with Iberia.
16. Saint Petersburg, Russia – for showing your mum how much you love her
Looking for an impressive Mother’s Day gift? You’ve found it. Known as “Venice of the North”, a must-do here is taking a canal tour. So is indulging in art at the Hermitage Museum, and gazing open the golden dome of St Isaac’s Cathedral. And we haven’t even come to the biggies, the Winter Palace, Peter & Paul Fortrees and Saviour on the Spilled Blood (which, despite its name, is lovely). After all that, treat her to afternoon tea in an exquisite tea room by the Neva river.
You can fly to Saint Petersburg with British Airways or Finnair. Or you can get there via Moscow with S7 Airlines.
17. Hong Kong – for your post-graduation adventure
In Hong Kong you’ll find Michelin-star dim sum at bargain prices, a Big Buddha statue and a vast array of cool shops. Yet despite being a massive metropolis – and a street food haven worth visiting if you’re going on a foodie world tour – it’s also surrounded by nature. You can see that when you take the tram up to The Peak, or go cycling in the hills. Plus, there are gorgeous beaches like Ham Tin Wam and Clearwater Bay less than hour from the city. And who knows? You might even meet someone in this corporate hub who might offer you a cool job!
You can fly to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific.
18. Tokyo, Japan – for a new perspective on New Year’s Eve
In oh-so multi-faceted Tokyo, there are many ways to celebrate the New Year. There’s the bustling, jam-packed Shibuya district, where people gather for the countdown and then head for the clubs. Then there’s the spiritual celebration at the Zojoji Buddhist Temple, where bells ring 108 times at midnight. It’s also tradition to watch the sun rise on the first day of the New Year. If you head straight from the club to Mount Fuji, you just might make it in time.
You can fly to Tokyo with Japan Airlines.
19. Colombo, Sri Lanka – for a meditative self-finding journey
You’ll definitely feel peace looking at the many Buddha statues around Colombo. And when you try a hopper – a crispy bowl-shaped rice pancake with a fried egg – a sunny smile will come to your face. But it’s when you leave the city behind that you’ll find true zen in the natural nirvana of Sri Lanka’s heartlands. Like Sirigaya, a rock fortress rising out in a sea of green. You can also feel connected to other living beings, whether it’s smiling baby elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orpanage, or leopards at Yala National Park.
You can fly to Colombo with SriLankan Airlines.
20. Bali, Indonesia – for a very special Valentine’s Day
Rice paddies extending all the way to the horizon. Temples perched on seaside cliffs that offer stunning sunsets. Temples floating on lakes. Temples on their own little islands. Emerald green hills and pale blue waters full of turtles. Fascinating volcanic landscapes. And that’s just a snapshot of what you’ll get in Bali. Wait till we mention the luxurious resorts and heavenly little islands dotting the archipelago around it. The only problem is you might both fall in love with the place and never leave again.
You can fly to Bali with Qatar Airways or Malaysia Airlines.
Is there an easy way to book flights if I want to go for a round the world trip?
There is indeed. With oneworld’s round the world planner, it’s easy to create epic, multi-continent journeys. You can even do it over your lunch break.
You’ll have over 1,100 destinations to choose from, with flights from 13 world-class airlines: American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LATAM, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines and SriLankan Airlines.
We put together a quick guide to make using it even more of a breeze.
You can save plenty, rack up miles and take advantage of travel benefits – like access to airport lounges*.
